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OH! San Diego 2019Celebrating architecture, urban design & the built environment
One weekend. Free access. Iconic architecture. The doors are open for you to explore.

BANKERS HILL

Named after its reputation for being home to the affluent and their many mansions built in San Diego’s heyday by some of its most notable architects—including Irving Gill—Bankers Hill is located west of Balboa Park with easy access across the historic Cabrillo Bridge. It is a desirable residential location with bay views available from many new luxury high–rise condos.

The cathedral, designed by the prestigious architect of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., features elements of both Gothic and Romanesque architecture. The arduous process of designing and constructing this monumental cathedral took over twenty years, delayed by the Great Depression and conflicts with the architect. The cathedral’s organ is a historical instrument that encompasses part of the first organ in San Diego, built in 1887 and was fully restored in 2012.

10 FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST2450 Second Ave.Irving Gill, 1910 / Renovation, 1998

This masterwork has all the architectural hallmarks of Irving Gill on a grand civic scale – the rhythmic series of arches, the unadorned white stucco and the simple cubist massing. Upon completion, the mayor at the time was so impressed, he included it on his list of ‘must–sees’ for visiting dignitaries. After a misdirected 1950’s remodel, the church underwent a full building restoration to return the building to its original glory.

This commercial building that incorporates elements of the Streamline Modern architectural style has housed many noted architectural firms throughout its 40+ years. Since 2003, it has been home to RJC | Steinberg Hart a leader in civic, military, residential, and commercial architecture. Features include high volume ceilings and custom workstations designed and fabricated by Paul Basile of Basile Studio.

Originally built as a Methodist Episcopal Church, this masterful example of Classical Revival architecture functions as an elegant special events venue. The interior features enormous stained–glass skylights, and a dozen stained–glass windows surrounded by intricate woodwork. When you’re outside, take a look up to see the exquisite gold–leaf statue of Gabriel blowing his horn atop the building.

One of the few remaining large, wood framed turn-of-the-century inns, the former ‘working man’s’ hotel still provides lodging today. The building’s exterior with double gambrel roof and two-story colonnade remains unchanged since its completion. Interior features such as the lightwell, hallways and redwood stairs and banisters also retain the no-frills character of the original details.

Located at street-level within the renowned Mister A’s building, this architectural office space respects the bones of this iconic mid-century building. The open floor plan, glass partitions, light-filled interior and blonde wood complement the all-concrete structure, creating a bright and airy interior. A glass storefront connects the office with the community, while an expansive four-story skylight beams into the heart of the office.

With its dominant Moorish-style dome suspended high above an octagonal sanctuary embellished with Middle Eastern decorative motifs, the Synagogue (formerly Congregation Beth Israel) is one of the foremost examples of Mediterranean Revival, an architectural style that caught momentum around the mid-1920s. The recent restoration has brought new life to the building and its vibrant congregation that offers a rich cultural blend of Conservative Judaism and a diverse international flavor.

Now nearly a century old, The Barcelona was originally constructed as a full–service apartment–hotel, complete with a solarium, ballroom, restaurant and golf course. In its heyday, tourism directories listed it as the ‘Finest in the West’. Today, it provides residents with modern systems and amenities, while maintaining its rich history and decorative details of Spanish Colonial architecture. Ride the historic elevator to the roof deck for panoramic views.

The Duke, a unique, modern 4-story multi-family home, takes advantage of beautiful views of San Diego Bay and the City skyline. Nestled on the hillside adjacent to Maple Canyon, the home harmonizes with nature, as it pushes outward with balconies providing a balance of privacy and views. The common spaces include works by local artists. On a small 50’x100’ lot, The Duke is an example of how to do more with less.

Originally THE gathering place for San Diego’s growing arts community, the building housed architecture studios and showrooms. It is constructed primarily of redwood and glass, with an open design. The flat roof, floor-to-ceiling windows and cantilevered decks overlooking the canyon reflect core design elements of California Modernism. Duford Law is committed to maintaining the integrity of this prized structure.

Built and designed for the influential George White and Anna Gunn Marston family, this iconic Arts and Crafts-style estate is a treasured San Diego landmark. The 4.5-acre grounds feature a formal English Romantic-style garden. Its first trees were situated in 1906 after consultation with the “Mother of Balboa Park”, Kate Sessions. The grounds include a pergola, tea house, formal flower beds and more than 600 blooming plants.

This renowned father and son design team have created many of the county’s most whimsical and green homes. Their open–plan workspace within this mid–century office building is a laboratory for green building methods and materials, including straw bale construction, which have exemplified their trademark style since the firm’s inception. Their ongoing “Pearl of the Pacific” collaborative sculpture project, embraces cultures from around the Pacific Rim.

The 1960s-era building served as a medical office for over 50 years and eventually became a blight and blocked views from the neighborhood into Maple Canyon. Honoring the original architect’s legacy and its mid-century bones, the building was transformed by adding expanses of glass and removing all interior walls to make it as transparent as possible. The building and its systems are tuned for maximum energy efficiency. A result of its canyon micro-climate, coastal breezes and strategically placed operable windows, is its minimal reliance on mechanical systems.

This leading landscape architecture firm has been providing creative design solutions longer than any firm in San Diego. With multiple addresses on Fifth Avenue over their 64 years, the firm’s latest home incorporates elements from its original Gaslamp studio, including neon signage and a hand-made rosewood conference table, within an open office environment with high, exposed ceilings.

Formerly a 1950s-era dental supply company, this stylishly remodeled building preserves the mid-century bones and brickwork, while softening the office aesthetic with a fluid floor plan and residential feel. Large picture windows inserted at both levels, frame views of the sidewalk bustle and beyond to Balboa Park from the PR firm’s open and private offices.

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San Diego Architectural Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to education and promotion of outstanding architecture, planning and urban design throughout the San Diego region.